Phytochemical Study Of Seaweeds Sargassum Wightii And Ulva Lactuca

Abstract

The present study aims at assessing the phytochemical and physicochemical nature of two marine seaweeds: Sargassum wightii (a brown alga) and Ulva lactuca (a green alga). A fine powder of samples of these two marine seaweeds was made and stored in airtight containers by the researcher after gathering them from the shore waters of the maritime region near Rameswaram, rinsing with sterilized water to cleanse surface contaminations, and desiccating for a period of seven days in shade for more detailed examination.

As an effective extracting agent, methanol was applied as the reagent for the extraction process of phytochemical constituents. Biologically active metabolites were examined through comprehensive phytochemical evaluations employing both descriptive and measurable analyses of the methanolic fractions. Moreover, principal physicochemical specifications—including moisture content, the overall mineral residue and its acid-resistant and water-soluble components were assessed. The qualitative ash assay disclosed that significant mineral elements such as chlorine, phosphorus, and iron were present in both Sargassum wightii and Ulva lactuca, whereas Sulphur was found only in Ulva lactuca.

The characteristic phytocontituents such as terpenoids, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, proteins, and glycosides were identified in Sargassum wightii through primary phytochemical analysis. In contrast, the results revealed that alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phytosterols, phenols, steroids, proteins, and glycosides were found in Ulva lactuca. Quantitative analysis revealed that Sargassum wightii contained phenolic compounds at

2.82 ± 0.38 mg/mL, flavonoids at 2.97 ± 1.29 mg/mL, and tannins at 2.65 ± 0.13 mg/mL, whereas

Ulva lactuca exhibited significantly higher levels of phenolics (17.37 ± 1.03 mg/mL), along with flavonoids (2.62 ± 0.108 mg/mL) and alkaloids (68.07 ± 0.39 mg/mL).